Kynren’s 2025 season came to a close on Saturday night, with the 1,000-strong team of volunteers taking a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience.
The award-winning live action spectacular ended its nine-show run on a high, recording the highest visitor numbers since 2019. Ticket sales rose an impressive 12% on 2024, 48% on 2023, 75% on 2022 and 17% on 2019 – defying sector-wide challenges and cementing Kynren’s reputation as one of the UK’s most successful cultural events.
At the heart of this success are the volunteers. More than 95% of last year’s cast and crew returned to take part in Kynren’s milestone tenth anniversary season. From sword fighters and performers to costume makers, animal handlers, technical crews and visitor welcome teams, their passion and dedication ensure the show delivers world-class standards year after year.
“We have an incredibly strong volunteer community here at Kynren, and the show simply wouldn’t be the success it is without their unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm. Our volunteers are at the core of everything we do, and we are so proud of what they have achieved in this milestone year.”
Wendy Wilshere, head of volunteer casting and engagement
2025 also saw the publication of The Spirit of Kynren, the show’s first socio-economic impact report. It confirmed that Kynren has contributed more than £65.5 million to the North East economy since 2016, while also delivering profound personal benefits for those involved. 94% of volunteers reported feeling happier and more confident, 81% felt less isolated, and 80% said their physical health had improved as a result of being part of Kynren.
“This tenth anniversary season has been a truly special one. Kynren is not just a show; it’s a community, a source of pride for the region, and a cultural driver for the North East. Our volunteers have once again delivered something remarkable – delighting audiences and showcasing the very best of what this area has to offer. At the same time, we are working hard behind the scenes on the development of Kynren – The Storied Lands, our new daytime historical theme park opening in 2026, which will sit alongside the night show to create a unique destination for visitors from across the UK and beyond.”
Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren
Kynren’s 2025 season has also been an award-winning one, with accolades including:
1. Winner – Event of the Year, North East Tourism Awards 2025
2. Gold – Volunteer Team of the Year, North East Tourism Awards 2025
3. Winner – Team of the Year, Cultural Enterprises Awards 2025
4. Winner – Best Event for Groups, Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025
5. TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025
This milestone year also introduced a reimagined Diamond Jubilee scene, featuring more than 150 performers and 20 horses, which quickly became an audience favourite. Combined with Kynren’s dramatic stunts, breathtaking pyrotechnics and fireworks finale, it was a fitting celebration of the show’s tenth anniversary.
Visitors also enjoyed new pre-show entertainment, including a replica Victorian railway station complete with a full-sized Locomotion No.1 engine photo-point, created to mark the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. The installation proved a hugely popular addition, further enhancing the visitor experience and providing memorable moments before the main performance.
Tickets for Kynren’s 2026 night show go on sale in October at kynren.com. Early booking is strongly recommended.
